Eikando Zenrinji Temple Autumn Leaves 2026
Last updated: July 28, 2026. Typical viewing times and details below are compiled from official park, temple, city and tourism-association websites (linked at the end of this page). The dates of annual night light-ups are set each year — check the official site before you travel.
About 3,000 maples around a pond-style stroll garden — so famous the temple is nicknamed 'Momiji no Eikando', the maple-leaf temple.
Key Facts
| Typical peak | Mid-November to early December |
|---|---|
| Best months | November–December |
| Location | Kyoto, Kyoto |
| Nearest station | Kyoto City Bus 5 'Nanzenji / Eikando-michi'; or Keage Station (Tozai Line) |
| Admission | Daytime autumn admission around 1,000 yen; night viewing 700 yen (confirm current rates on the official site). |
| Night light-up | Mid-November to early December, roughly 17:30–20:30 reception (dates set each year) (exact 2026 dates set each year — confirm on the official site) |
| Official site | https://www.eikando.or.jp/ |
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Highlights
- Maples reflected in the Hojo-ike pond below the Tahoto pagoda, the temple's signature view.
- Evening illumination that lights the garden, pond and pagoda in autumn.
Where to See the Autumn Leaves
Hojo-ike pond garden & Tahoto pagoda (Paid)
The pond-and-hillside garden is the classic photo spot; a climb to the Tahoto pagoda gives a view over the coloured canopy and the city beyond.
Kyoto City Bus route 5 to the 'Nanzenji / Eikando-michi' stop, about 5 minutes on foot.
Getting There
From Kyoto Station take City Bus route 5 to the 'Nanzenji / Eikando-michi' stop (about 5 minutes' walk). Also walkable from Keage Station (Tozai subway line).
Crowd & Timing Tips
- Both day and night viewing are extremely popular; the night viewing has separate admission and long queues, so arrive at opening.
Autumn Illumination
Mid-November to early December, roughly 17:30–20:30 reception (dates set each year) The exact 2026 dates are announced each year, so confirm them on the official site before planning an evening visit.
About Eikando Zenrinji Temple
The temple's formal name is Zenrin-ji; it began as a Shingon esoteric-Buddhist training hall and has been celebrated for its maples for centuries.
See more autumn-leaf spots: Kansai Autumn Leaves 2026 · Japan Autumn Leaves Guide 2026